Newcastle United are looking to hijack the signing of Alexandre Lacazette from under the nose of other Premier League clubs, all of whom have noticed the potential of the young striker.
Having already seen one bid rejected from French club Lyon, Newcastle are set to make another offer for Lacazette before the transfer window closes, aiming to solve their goal-scoring issues. This all coming from a report in The Telegraph.
Twitter: Exclusive: #NUFC to make new approach for Alexandre Lacazette, by @LukeEdwardsTele https://t.co/s60RB6EJDa https://t.co/Hp71AH42SW (@TeleFootball)
The Magpies have already failed to persuade the player to leave current club Lyon, whilst reports in France still claim that the French international is not interested in joining Newcastle. But The Telegraph’s sport section also reports that discussions between Lacazette and his management team have become much more positive regarding the move to the North East.
If Newcastle United do pull off this deal, it would be a massive coup for the club, who look to desperately bolster their attacking options. Lacazette has become one of the hottest prospects on the planet in the last twelve months, with 9 goals in 28 appearances this season and 29 goals last season in Ligue 1.
Other clubs who are linked with the player include; Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. These sides are thought to be the front runners, due to Lacazette’s desire to play in the Champions League.
Lacazette told The Telegraph at the start of the window that he wanted to play in the Premier League, but would be more suited to a move in the summer. However, Newcastle are working tirelessly to try and bring the French forward to the club in this transfer window.
Newcastle are expected to pay in excess of £20 million to seal the 24-year-olds signature. A move to Tyneside would see Lacazette become one of the top earners at St. James’ Park. A lucrative transfer offer may be hard to resist for Lyon, who will surely attempt to hold on to the exciting striker. However Newcastle are reportedly willing to put everything into this deal; especially after reportedly losing interest in potential targets Andros Townsend and Saido Berahino.
Steve McClaren and the board will not chase either Townsend or Berahino, unless the circumstances surrounding the moves change. Newcastle believe the asking price of £14 million for Townsend isn’t acceptable. Furthermore they won’t pursue Berahino until West Bromwich Albion confirm he is for sale.
It is clear from Newcastle’s last few games they desperately need a proven goal-scorer, chances to seal vital points have gone begging in recent weeks.
The acquisition of Lacazette, would greatly improve the chances of the North East club securing top-flight football for next season. However, the longer the club leave negotiations, the more games slip by.
If this move once again falls through, Newcastle may look at ex-striker Loic Remy who is set to leave Chelsea by the end of the January window or indeed move for the younger talents of Patrick Bamford who has been disappointing at Crystal Palace.
